Rayon

\▐rā-▐än\ n [irreg. from 2ray] (1924) The definition established by the Federal Commission in 1951 is: “Generic name for a manufactured fiber composed of regenerated cellulose, as well as manufactured fibers composed of regenerated cellulose in which constituents have replaced not more than 15% of the hydrogens of the hydroxyl groups.” Prior to that date, going back to 1924 when the name rayon was first used (inspired by its sheen invoking the brilliance of a ray of sunlight), the term was used for all man-made fibers derived from cellulose, including cellulose acetate and cellulose triacetate. Rayon is the oldest of the synthetic fibers, having been produced commercially since 1855. All methods of producing rayon are based on treating fibrous forms of cellulose to make them soluble, extruding the solution through the tiny orifices of a spinneret then converting the filaments into solid cellulose. Most rayon fibers are produced from the intermediate Viscose. See also Cuprammonium...